The first half of this season has been a transitional period at Kingwood Park - for the players and coach.

First-year coach Aminadab Delgado is returning to high school after three years coaching at the national and pro levels in Costa Rica, and the Panthers are adjusting to his controlled style of play.

"It's a big change," Delgado said. "It's been a little bit tough to adjust, just because at the national and pro level you have your athletes at your disposal at all times, and at the high school it's a little bit different.

"So, coming back, the transition has been difficult, but on the other hand, getting that experience at the higher level, and then bringing it to the athletes at the high school level, has been rewarding both ways."

Delgado, originally from Mexico, was an assistant with Uruguay De Coronado for one year and the U-17 women's national team for two years during his time in Costa Rica. Previously, he was the head coach at Bryan for four years after starting the boys and girls programs in Navasota.

But as tough as it's been for Delgado to re-immerse himself in the high school game, it's been tougher for his players to adapt to his approach to soccer, which is different from how they played before.

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Kingwood Park

Mascot: Panthers

Coach: Aminadab Delgado, first season

2012: District 42-4A playoff qualifier, bi-district champion.

2013: District 42-4A member with Humble, Summer Creek, Spring Woods, Northbrook and Stratford.

Next up: The Panthers play Humble at 7 p.m. on Friday at the Charles Street stadium.

"We're changing our formation, we're changing the way we work and play with the ball, and we're becoming more a team of possession and keeping the ball on the ground, instead of being more of a direct team, sending balls through the lines and making our forwards run," Delgado said.

That change led to a 4-7 start through 11 matches as he and the players figured out what works and what doesn't, but they're starting to figure it out.

"We're not where we need to be yet, but I believe with a little bit more work we could be there," Delgado said.

The Panthers showed their willingness to work at the end of the Brenham Showcase two weeks ago, beating Magnolia West 3-1 in their fourth game in three days. Midfielder Kaleb Banning had two goals.

"Everybody was tired, everybody was exhausted, but I told the kids this is going to be a test for us to see what we're made of," Delgado said. "Everybody's tired, everybody's exhausted, it's been a long weekend, they're feeling their legs now, and we came and beat Magnolia West 3-1, so that was a very special victory for us."

In their losses, including last Friday's 3-1 loss to Willis, which led 2-0 at halftime, slow starts have been costly.

"We don't play as physical and as aggressive the first half, and that's when they score on us, and when we want to react and try to come back in the game, we play a better second half, but by then it's too late," Delgado said.

"So one of the things that we've been working on is starting 100 percent and being ready from the first whistle."

K-Park returned five starters from last season, including Banning and goalkeeper Caleb Lewallen, both juniors, and senior midfielders Oscar Porras and Kevin Koym.

Porras is a captain and their most experienced player.

"He's a playmaker," Delgado said.

"He's been on varsity since his freshman year, and he actually played three years ago when Kingwood Park made it to the state championship game, and he's the only one on the team who is left from that team."

Banning is the leading goal scorer, with three of his five goals off headers.

Senior forward Akil Shekem and junior MF Matt Zampello also have contributed to an offense that produced 22 goals through 11 matches, which is three more than the Panthers had last season.

K-Park closed out non-district play against Friendswood on Tuesday. It opens District 42-4A play Feb. 8 against Humble.

"I know the competition is going to be very tight," Delgado said.

"We would like to aim for the district championship, which we haven't won since three years ago, but at this point, just looking at how the team is looking, I'd be happy just to make the playoffs."